Veterans Programs
GallopNYC provides two free unique equine programs for veterans. Riding for Veterans and Groundwork for Veterans. Veterans will have the opportunity to grow their confidence from learning to be in charge of a large herd animal, exercise their leadership skills by exploring alternative approaches to giving commands, and demonstrate their competence by learning new skills.
Riding for Veterans
During our riding program veterans will learn how to ride a horse over a number of sessions. Veterans work with our instructors to set individualized life skills goals to see measurable improvements. Many participants have reported decreased anxiety and depression, become more focused at work and gained valuable leadership skills.
Groundwork Program
Veterans in our groundwork program will learn how to care for our horses and gain important communication skills as they learn how to work with horses on the ground. Groundwork includes grooming and tacking, lead walking, lunging and additional horse care. Through communicating with the horse, veterans learn important non-verbal communication skills.
Why Horses and Veterans?
“Horses are highly reactive and mimic human emotion requiring calm, clear, intentional communication which promote awareness, self-control, and impulse modulation. Working with horses offers instant and constant feedback to participants, requires physical strength and balance, and is highly motivational, combining to make an exceptionally effective environment for leadership and personal growth.”
“Horses can sense your emotions and feelings… If you are tense, they are going to be tense. If you are anxious, they are going to be anxious. Especially, if you are in pain, they are going to sense you are in pain as well.”
Volunteering
Many of our veteran riders continue with GallopNYC as volunteers to continue growing their skills. Volunteer to help with barn work or support our riders during therapeutic riding lessons by leading or walking alongside the horse and supporting riders. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.